Chlorinator

ABSTRACT

A chlorinator configured to produce one or more sanitizing agents from a solute dissolved in water is provided. The chlorinator comprises an operational unit defining an electrolysis chamber for flow therethrough of the water, electrolyzing electrodes for the electrolysis, and a control unit having a housing containing therewithin a chlorinator controller for directing operation of the electrolyzing electrodes. The chlorinator further comprises an electronic flow sensor comprising a pair of spaced-apart sensing electrodes projecting into the electrolysis chamber, and a circuit closeable by electrically connecting the sensing electrodes. The electronic flow sensor is configured to detect a flow condition when the circuit is closed, and to detect a non-flow condition when the circuit remains open.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter is related to chlorinators, inparticulars chlorinators configured to produce chlorine-based sanitizingagents for electrolysis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Swimming pools are commonly treated with a sanitizing agent, such aschlorine, in order to maintain a clean swimming environment. Thesanitizing agent may be dispensed at a suitable rate to the water by adedicated dispenser as a liquid or a solid, such as in tablet form.

The sanitizing agent may also be produced within the water itself. Forexample, salt may be added to the swimming water at a tolerable level.The salted water is directed into a chlorinator which produces thesanitizing agent through electrolysis. The water with the newly-producedsanitizing agent is then directed back into the pool.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, thereis provided a chlorinator configured to produce one or more sanitizingagents from a solute dissolved in water, the chlorinator comprising anoperational unit defining an electrolysis chamber for flow therethroughof the water, electrolyzing electrodes for the electrolysis, and acontrol unit having a housing containing therewithin a chlorinatorcontroller for directing operation of the electrolyzing electrodes, thechlorinator further comprising an electronic flow sensor comprising apair of spaced-apart sensing electrodes projecting into the electrolysischamber, and a circuit closeable by electrically connecting the sensingelectrodes, wherein the electronic flow sensor is configured to detect aflow condition when the circuit is closed, and to detect a non-flowcondition when the circuit remains open.

The sensing electrodes may comprise a pair of parallely arranged plates.

The chlorinator may comprise flow openings constituting an inlet andoutlet of the electrolysis chamber, the chlorinator being designed to beinstalled such that the sensing electrodes are above the flow openings.The flow opening may be arranged coaxially with one another.

The electronic flow sensor may further comprise a sensing controllerconfigured to direct operation thereof and to communicate with thechlorinator controller.

The chlorinator may further comprise a cassette comprising theelectrolyzing electrodes and the electronic flow sensor. The cassettemay comprise a cassette controller comprising the sensing controller.

The chlorinator may further comprise a bi-directional mechanical flowsensor configured to detect a flow of water across the electrolyzingelectrodes in each one of two opposite directions, the mechanical flowsensor comprising a paddle configured to be pivoted about an axis from arest position by the flow of water, a sensing magnet configured to movewith the paddle and disposed spaced from the axis, and a magnet sensorconfigured to detect movement of the sensing magnet from the restposition of the paddle; the mechanical flow sensor further comprising acentering arrangement configured to maintain the paddle in its restposition in the absence of a flow of water therepast.

All elements of the centering arrangement not used for flow sensing maybe external to the paddle.

The centering arrangement may comprise two or more positioning magnetsconfigured to exert equal magnetic forces on the sensing magnet when thepaddle is in its rest position. The positioning magnets may be alignedsuch that opposite poles thereof face the sensing magnet. The dominantmagnetic force exerted by each positioning magnet on the sensing magnetmay be a repelling magnetic force. At least two of the positioningmagnets may be disposed on opposite sides of the paddle.

The chlorinator may further comprise stoppers configured to limit themovement of the paddle in each direction. The stoppers may project in adirection from the axis in a direction opposite that in which thesensing magnet is disposed.

The centering arrangement may comprise two or more biasing elements,such as springs, configured to impart equal, but oppositely directed,forces on the paddle in its rest position.

The magnet sensor may comprise a reed switch.

The chlorinator may be configured to detect an error condition when theelectronic and mechanical flow sensors detect different flow conditions.

The cassette may further comprise the mechanical flow sensor.

The electrolyzing electrodes may be formed as flat plates.

According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter,there is provided an electrolysis cassette for a chlorinator, thecassette configured to facilitate production of one or more sanitizingagents from a solute dissolved in water flowing through the chlorinator;the cassette comprising electrolyzing electrodes for the electrolysisand an electronic flow sensor; the electronic flow sensor comprising apair of spaced-apart sensing electrodes, and a circuit closeable byelectrically connecting the sensing electrodes, wherein the electronicflow sensor is configured to detect a flow condition when the circuit isclosed, and to detect a non-flow condition when the circuit remainsopen.

The sensing electrodes may comprise a pair of parallely arranged plates.

The electronic flow sensor may further comprise a sensing controllerconfigured to direct operation thereof and to communicate with anexternal controller.

The electrolysis cassette may further comprise a cassette controllercomprising the sensing controller.

The electrolysis cassette may further comprise a bi-directionalmechanical flow sensor configured to detect a flow of water across theelectrolyzing electrodes in each one of two opposite directions, themechanical flow sensor comprising a paddle configured to be pivotedabout an axis from a rest position by the flow of water, a sensingmagnet configured to move with the paddle and disposed spaced from theaxis, and a magnet sensor configured to detect movement of the sensingmagnet from the rest position of the paddle; the mechanical flow sensorfurther comprising a centering arrangement configured to maintain thepaddle in its rest position in the absence of a flow of water therepast.

The centering arrangement may comprise two or more positioning magnetsconfigured to exert equal magnetic forces on the sensing magnet when thepaddle is in its rest position. The positioning magnets may be alignedsuch that opposite poles thereof face the sensing magnet. The dominantmagnetic force exerted by each positioning magnet on the sensing magnetmay be a repelling magnetic force. At least two of the positioningmagnets may be disposed on opposite sides of the paddle.

The electrolysis cassette may further comprise stoppers configured tolimit the movement of the paddle in each direction. The stoppers mayproject in a direction from the axis in a direction opposite that inwhich the sensing magnet is disposed.

The centering arrangement may comprise two or more biasing elements,such as springs, configured to impart equal, but oppositely directed,forces on the paddle in its rest position.

The magnet sensor may comprise a reed switch.

The electrolysis cassette may be configured to detect an error conditionwhen the electronic and mechanical flow sensors detect different flowconditions.

The electrolyzing electrodes may be formed as flat plates.

According to a further aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter,there is provided a chlorinator configured to produce one or moresanitizing agents from a solute dissolved in water, the chlorinatorcomprising an operational unit defining an electrolysis chamber for flowtherethrough of the water, electrolyzing electrodes for theelectrolysis, and a control unit having a housing containing therewithina chlorinator controller for directing operation of the electrolyzingelectrodes, the chlorinator further comprising a bi-directionalmechanical flow sensor configured to detect a flow of water across theelectrolyzing electrodes in each one of two opposite directions, themechanical flow sensor comprising a paddle configured to be pivotedabout an axis from a rest position by the flow of water, a sensingmagnet configured to move with the paddle and disposed spaced from theaxis, and a magnet sensor configured to detect movement of the sensingmagnet from the rest position of the paddle; the mechanical flow sensorfurther comprising a centering arrangement configured to maintain thepaddle in its rest position in the absence of a flow of water therepast.

All elements of the centering arrangement not used for flow sensing maybe external to the paddle.

The centering arrangement may comprise two or more positioning magnetsconfigured to exert equal magnetic forces on the sensing magnet when thepaddle is in its rest position. The positioning magnets may be alignedsuch that opposite poles thereof face the sensing magnet. The dominantmagnetic force exerted by each positioning magnet on the sensing magnetmay be a repelling magnetic force. At least two of the positioningmagnets may be disposed on opposite sides of the paddle.

The chlorinator may further comprise stoppers configured to limit themovement of the paddle in each direction. The stoppers may project in adirection from the axis in a direction opposite that in which thesensing magnet is disposed.

The centering arrangement may comprise two or more biasing elements,such as springs, configured to impart equal, but oppositely directed,forces on the paddle in its rest position.

The magnet sensor may comprise a reed switch.

The chlorinator may further comprise a cassette comprising theelectrolyzing electrodes and the mechanical flow sensor. The cassettemay further comprise the mechanical flow sensor.

The electrolyzing electrodes may be formed as flat plates.

According to a still further aspect of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is provided an electrolysis cassette for a chlorinator,the cassette configured to facilitate production of one or moresanitizing agents from a solute dissolved in water flowing through thechlorinator; the cassette comprising electrolyzing electrodes for theelectrolysis and a bi-directional mechanical flow sensor configured todetect a flow of water across the electrolyzing electrodes in each oneof two opposite directions, the mechanical flow sensor comprising apaddle configured to be pivoted about an axis from a rest position bythe flow of water, a sensing magnet configured to move with the paddleand disposed spaced from the axis, and a magnet sensor configured todetect movement of the sensing magnet from the rest position of thepaddle; the mechanical flow sensor further comprising a centeringarrangement configured to maintain the paddle in its rest position inthe absence of a flow of water therepast.

The centering arrangement may comprise two or more positioning magnetsconfigured to exert equal magnetic forces on the sensing magnet when thepaddle is in its rest position. The positioning magnets may be alignedsuch that opposite poles thereof face the sensing magnet. The dominantmagnetic force exerted by each positioning magnet on the sensing magnetmay be a repelling magnetic force. At least two of the positioningmagnets may be disposed on opposite sides of the paddle.

The electrolysis cassette may further comprise stoppers configured tolimit the movement of the paddle in each direction. The stoppers mayproject in a direction from the axis in a direction opposite that inwhich the sensing magnet is disposed.

The centering arrangement may comprise two or more biasing elements,such as springs, configured to impart equal, but oppositely directed,forces on the paddle in its rest position.

The magnet sensor may comprise a reed switch.

The electrolyzing electrodes may be formed as flat plates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosedherein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice,embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only,with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a chlorinator as described in thepresently disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the chlorinator illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is another exploded view of the chlorinator illustrated in FIG.1A, with an electrolysis cassette thereof not shown;

FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I in FIG. 1A, withsome internal elements thereof not illustrated;

FIG. 1E is a close-up view of the area indicated at “E” in FIG. 1D;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an operational unit of the chlorinatorillustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a control unit of the chlorinatorillustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the chlorinator illustrated in FIG.1A, with an upper housing of the control unit thereof pivoted open;

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of an electrolysis cassette of thechlorinator illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5B is an exploded view of the electrolysis cassette illustrated inFIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a rear perspective view of the electrolysis cassetteillustrated in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of the electrolysis cassette, takenalong line V-V in FIG. 5C;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a modification of the electrolysiscassette illustrated in FIG. 5A; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a modification of the chlorinatorillustrated in FIG. 1A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, there is provided a chlorinator,which is generally indicated at 10. The chlorinator 10 is configured toutilize electrolysis to produce sanitizing agents from a solute, forexample to be supplied to a swimming pool. For example, the chlorinator10 may be a salt-water chlorinator, configured to electrolyze salt(NaCl) dissolved in water to produce hypochlorous acid and sodiumhypochlorite, as is well known in the art. The chlorinator 10 comprisesan operational unit 12 and a control unit 14, coupled (e.g., detachably)to one another by any suitable method, for example mechanically, e.g.,by screwing engagement, glued, welded, etc. As illustrated in FIG. 1B,an electrolysis cassette 46 is received within the operational unit 12,and connected via the underside of the control unit 14 to a controllertherewithin (as described below).

The operational unit 12 comprises a hollow electrolysis chamber 16 forreceipt therein of the electrolysis cassette 46. It is provided withoppositely-disposed flow openings 18 a, 18 b (herein the presentdisclosure, the reference numeral 18 will be used to refer to the flowopenings 18 a and 18 b collectively; similarly for all elements thereof,as well as other elements of the chlorinator 10 indicated by similarreference numerals, mutatis mutandis) serving as a water inlet andoutlet, and an upwardly-facing opening 20 for receipt therein of theelectrolysis cassette 46.

Pipe fastening rings 22 a, 22 b (so called as they typically facilitateconnection to a pipe; it will be appreciated that they may beconfigured/utilized to facilitate connection to any suitablewater-carrying conduit) and main fastening ring 24 are provided at eachof the openings 18 a, 18 b, 20 to facilitate attachment connectionthereto of different elements, each as described below. As seen in FIG.2, each of the openings 18 a, 18 b, 20 is threaded. Accordingly, each ofthe fastening rings 22 a, 22 b, 24 is correspondingly threaded on aninner surface 26 a, 26 b, 28 thereof, and has an outer surface 30 a, 30b, 32 which may be formed with a gripping geometry to facilitate, e.g.,tightening/loosening of the fastening ring on its respective opening bymanual rotation, and an inwardly-directed lip 34 a, 34 b, 36 at a distalend thereof.

In addition, as seen in FIG. 1C, the chlorinator 10 may further comprisean assembly ring 25, configured to facilitate the main fastening ring 24to mount the operational and control units 12, 14 to one another.Accordingly, it comprises an upwardly-projecting attachment ridge 27 anda mounting rim 29 projecting outwardly therefrom.

The attachment ridge 27 is configured for being received within acorresponding circular groove 61 formed on the underside of the controlunit 14 (best seen and indicated in FIG. 3), for example snuggly, orsecured therein for example with an adhesive or by another suitablebonding method. As best seen in FIGS. 1D and 1E, the mounting rim 29 hasa larger diameter than the opening defined by the lip 36 of the mainfastening rim 24 (it will be appreciated that some elements, such assuitable sealing means and the electrolysis cassette 46 are notillustrated in FIGS. 1D and 1E, but are accommodated in spaces formedbetween the operational unit 12, control unit 14, main fastening ring24, and assembly ring 25, as necessary).

The main fastening ring 24 may thus be mounted to the bottom of thecontrol unit 14 by engagement of its (upwardly-disposed) lip 26 on themounting rim 29 of the assembly ring 25, and concurrently mounted to theoperational unit 12 via the threading provided on its(downwardly-disposed) inner surface 28. Accordingly, the main fasteningring 24 may serve to facilitate assembly of the operational unit 12,control unit 14, electrolysis cassette 46 (for example below the lip 36and mounting rim 29), and optionally other components to provide acompact chlorinator 10.

It will be appreciated that terms such as upward, downward, etc., andrelated forms refer to the orientation of the chlorinator 10 andelements thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and arenot to be interpreted as limiting the presently disclosed subject matterto a particular orientation, except if indicated or implied, and/orregarding relative disposition of elements.

The control unit 14 comprises elements for controlling and powering theelectrolysis cassette 46. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, it comprisesupper and lower housing sections 38 a, 38 b (herein the presentdisclosure, the term “housing” will be used to refer to the housingsections collectively), enclosing therewithin a power unit 40, and acontroller 42. It further comprises an electrical inlet 44 configured tofacilitate connecting the power unit 40 to an external source of power,and a user interface (not illustrated).

The housing 38 is configured to fluidly isolate the controller 42therewithin. It may further be configured to isolate other elements.This facilitates protection of some of the elements within the housing38, e.g., in the event of accidental ingress of water therewithin.

Accordingly, as best seen in FIG. 4, the housing 38 comprises upper andlower chamber portions 48 a, 48 b defining, when the housing sections 38a, 38 b are closed, an enclosure for receipt of the controller 42therewithin. A sealing member such as a gasket 50 is provided to sealbetween contacting edges of the chamber portions 48 a, 48 b. The gasket50 may comprise a cord 52 which is formed so as to conform to the shapeof most of the edge of the lower chamber portion 48 b, and a projection54 formed so as to conform to the shape of a cutout 56 formed in thelower chamber portion. The projection 54 comprises one or more apertures58, allowing for passage therethrough and sealing of one or more cables(the cables illustrated in FIG. 4 are components of the power unit 40,as will be described below). As seen in FIG. 3, a bottom wall of thelower housing section 38 b is provided with an aperture 60 for passagetherethrough of a portion of the electrolysis cassette 46, in which agrommet (not illustrated) or other sealing element is provided toprevent ingress of water thereto.

The housing 38 may further be formed with a power-connection chamber 62,defining therewithin an enclosure within which an electrical connectionmay be made, in any suitable way, between the power unit 40 and anexternal source of power. As the connection may comprise an area inwhich electrical insulation is compromised, it may be desirable todispose the point(s) of connection within a waterproof area. Theenclosure may be further defined by a removable cover 64, which issealing attached to the housing 38, providing access to the enclosure,e.g., to facilitate making and/or providing maintenance to theelectrical connection. The electrical inlet 44 may be provided on thecover 64, and it may similarly be provided with an internal seal, sothat when an electrical cable having a suitable diameter is insertedtherethrough, it provides fluid isolation. A rear side 66 of thepower-connection chamber 62 may comprise an aperture (not seen) with asuitable seal, such as a grommet, thereby facilitating introduction intothe enclosure of an input cable of the power unit 40 (described below)without compromising the waterproofing provided.

The power unit 40 comprises a power supply 68, an input cable (notillustrated; obstructed in FIG. 4 by the power-connection chamber 62),an output cable 70, and a control cable 72 (the output and controlcables are illustrated truncated; it will be appreciated that they areeach provided to be of a suitable length).

The power supply 68 may be any suitable device configured to convert apredefined input power (e.g., main electricity, alternating current)into an output power which the electrolysis cassette 46 is designed touse (e.g., lower voltage, direct current). The input power is providedby the input cable, which is connected between an external power source(as described above) and the power supply 68.

According to some examples, the power supply 68 is configured toselectively vary its outputs, e.g., it may change the current level ofits output to at least one intermediate output level other than fullpower. The intermediate output levels may comprise a plurality ofdiscrete outputs, or a continuous range of outputs. Accordingly, thecontroller 42 may be configured to operate the power supply to vary itsoutput, e.g., to control the rate of electrolysis, during operation ofthe chlorinator 10.

According to some modifications, the power supply 68 may be a powersupply/driver designed for use with an LED. According to othermodifications (not illustrated), the power supply 68 may comprise anarray of low-power power supply modules, each of which may beselectively activated (i.e., turned on and off) independently of theothers; accordingly, the output of the power supply 68 is varied byselectively turning each of the power supply modules on or off.

The controller 42 may be configured to receive input regarding the leveland/or the change in parameters of the water, from elements of thechlorinator 10 and/or from sensors external thereto, and to vary therate of electrolysis (i.e., by directing the power supply 68 to vary itsoutput) in response thereto. These parameters may include, but are notlimited to, one or more of pH level, salinity, chlorine level,oxidation/reduction (ORP) potential, level of contaminants in the water,or temperature. For example, the controller 42 may be configured todecrease the current output by the power supply 68, and thereby lowerthe rate of electrolysis, in response to a detected drop in the salinityof the water.

The controller 42 may be further configured to receive an input from auser, for example via the user interface, or parallely-operating system(e.g., a system configured to pump water through the chlorinator 10, asystem configured to supply salt to the water, etc.) to increase and/ordecrease the rate of electrolysis, and to direct operation of the powersupply 68 accordingly. These inputs may include, but are not limited to,one or more of a desired level of chlorination, a flow rate of waterbeing pumped to the chlorinator 10, or an unexpected need for anincreased level of sanitizing agent in the water.

The power supply 68 may provide information regarding its internaltemperature to the controller 42, wherein the controller may lower thepower output of the power supply in order to prevent damage thereto,without ceasing the electrolytic production of sanitizing agents (itwill be appreciated that the power supply may be configured to performthis function without direction from the controller, for example beingprovided with a suitable dedicated controller configured therefor).

The output cable 70 is configured to carry the output power from thepower supply 68 to the controller 42. The control cable 72 is configuredto facilitate communication between the controller 42 and the powersupply 68, e.g., to change the output power level, polarity, begin/endsupply of output power, etc. Each of the output and control cables 70,72 may be designed in a manner suitable (e.g., with respect to numberand gauge of wires, shielding, etc.) to its function.

The user interface may comprise a data presentation interface, which mayinclude, but is not limited to, LED's, LCD's, a screen, etc., and one ormore input devices, which may include, but are not limited to, button,dials, a touch-screen, etc. an aperture 74 may be provided in thehousing 38 to allow connection of the user interface to the controller42. Accordingly, a suitable seal, such as a grommet (not illustrated)may be provided.

According to some examples, the user interface may be configured tocommunicate with an external device, such as a network, computer,smartphone, etc. For example, it may comprise a transmitter/receiver forcommunicating using wired or wireless technology, such as one or more ofBluetooth, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Near Field Communication, or anyother suitable proprietary or open technology.

The controller 42 is configured to direct operation of components of thechlorinator 10. For example, it may collect information from theelectrolysis cassette 46, regulate power supply thereto (which mayinclude, but is not limited to, one or more of determining the amountand/or polarity of electricity for supplying to the electrolysiscassette, requesting suitable power from the power unit 40, verifyingpower received, etc.), receive user commands from the user interface,and provide information for display thereby.

Accordingly, the controller 42 may comprise a printed circuit board (asillustrated), comprising one or more microcontrollers configured tofacilitate the directing, as well as any suitable memory modules,sensors, output connectors, power connectors, etc., which may benecessary. In addition, it may comprise a socket, for example comprisingone or more apertures, for receiving therein a corresponding plug, forexample comprising one or more pins, of the electrolysis cassette, aswill be described below, thereby facilitating quickly removing theelectrolysis cassette 46 therefrom, and connecting a new one thereto.

It will be appreciated that while herein the specification and claims,the controller 42 is illustrated and described as a single element, itmay comprise a combination of elements, which may or may not be inphysical proximity to one another, without departing from the scope ofthe presently disclosed subject matter, mutatis mutandis. In addition,disclosure herein (including recitation in the appended claims) of acontroller carrying out, being configured to carry out, or other similarlanguage, implicitly includes other elements of the system 10 carryingout, being configured to carry out, etc., those functions, withoutdeparting from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter,mutatis mutandis.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A through 5C, the electrolysis cassette 46comprises a cassette controller 76, with a plurality of electrodes, forexample in the form of electrolysis plates 78, connected thereto andprojecting downwardly therefrom. The electrolysis plates 78 areconfigured for providing electricity to the water within theelectrolysis chamber 16 for electrolysis thereof, for example asdescribed above. A plug 80, comprising a plurality of pins 82, isconnected thereto and projects upwardly therefrom. The plug 80 isdesigned so as to be received by the socket formed correspondingly inthe controller 42, as described above, for connection thereto.

Upper and lower cassette housings 84 a, 84 b are provided, sealinglycontaining the cassette controller 76 therewithin, and facilitatingattachment thereof to the control unit 14.

Accordingly, the upper cassette housing 84 a comprises a projection 86,configured to be received within aperture 60 formed in the lower housingsection 38 b of the control unit 14, and comprising a through-goingaperture 88. A grommet 90, or other suitable seating element, itprovided, to prevent passage of water from the electrolysis cassette 46to the controller 42. The grommet 90 is formed so as snuggly fit withinthe through-going aperture 88 of the projection 86, and comprises aplurality of bores 92 for passage therethrough of the pins 82 of theplug 80.

The lower cassette housing 84 b comprises a compartment 94 for receipttherein of the cassette controller 76. It is further provided with anO-ring 96 below an outwardly-projecting rim 98 thereof, for bearingagainst an upper surface of the electrolysis chamber 16, for sealing itagainst ingress of water from the electrolysis chamber to the controlunit 14 therethrough.

The electrolysis cassette 46 may further comprise one or more of atemperature sensor 100, projecting downwardly into the electrolysischamber 16, and a salinity sensor (not seen), configured fordetermining, respectively, the temperature and salinity of the water asif flows through the electrolysis chamber past the electrolysis plates78. It may further comprise any other suitable sensor for determiningdifferent properties of the water in the electrolysis chamber 16. Thetemperature sensor 100 may be housed within a thermally conductiveplastic material. Such a material may have a thermal conductivity whichis greater than (for example by a factor of between 5 and 100 times)conventional plastics.

The electrolysis cassette 46 may further comprise an electronic flowsensor, which is generally indicated at 101. The electronic flow sensor101 comprises a pair of spaced electrodes 101 a, 101 b, for exampleformed as parallely arranged plates. The space between the electrodes101 a, 101 b constitutes an opening in an otherwise complete circuit.During use, a small current is applied to one of the electrodes. Whenthe electrolysis chamber 16 is full of water, the electronic flow sensor101 is immersed within water, which completes the circuit; when thereare gases within the electrolysis chamber 16, the electronic flow sensor101 is not immersed in water, leaving the circuit open. When water isflowing through the electrolysis chamber 16, gases which are produced bythe electrolysis typically flow out of the chlorinator, resulting in theelectrolysis chamber remaining full of water and closing the circuit ofthe electronic flow sensor 101 as described above. When the flow ofwater stops, the gases produced by the electrolysis remain in theelectrolysis chamber 16 and rise to the top thereof, thereby opening thecircuit of the electronic flow sensor 101 as described above.Accordingly, the electronic flow sensor 101 may be used to detect thepresence of a flow of water through the electrolysis chamber 16.

As best seen in FIG. 5C, the electrolysis cassette 46 may furthercomprise a bidirectional mechanical flow sensor 102. The mechanical flowsensor 102 is configured to detect flow of water in the electrolysischamber 16 across the electrolysis plates 78, while being insensitive tothe direction of flow. Accordingly, the chlorinator 10 may be installedwithout regard to flow direction therethrough. As seen in FIG. 5D, themechanical flow sensor 102 comprises a paddle 104 pivotally mounted on ashaft 106 so as to pivot freely thereabout. The paddle 104 is disposedsuch that surfaces 104 a, 104 b thereof are substantially perpendicularto the direction of flow of water, e.g., perpendicular to theelectrolysis plates 78. Stoppers 108 are provided adjacent the paddle104 to limit its movement. A top end of the paddle 104 comprises asensing magnet 110 therein. A magnet sensor configured to detect thepresence or absence of the sensing magnet 110 therebelow, such as a reedswitch 116, is provided above the paddle, e.g., in the cassettecontroller 76.

The mechanical flow sensor 102 may further comprise a centeringarrangement configured to ensure that, in the absence of any externalforce on the paddle 104, such as from a flow of water thereacross, thepaddle remains in a vertical, non-tilted, position. According to someexamples, two sockets 112, each having a positioning magnet 114 therein,are provided adjacent the top of the paddle 104. Equal forces exerted byeach of the positioning magnets 114 on the sensing magnet 110 maintainthe paddle 104, in the absence of a flow of water past it, in a neutralposition which is substantially perpendicular to the path via whichwater flows, such as defined by an axis connection the flow openings 18.The positioning magnets 114 may be arranged such that the dominantmagnetic force exerted on the sensing magnet 110 is a repelling magneticforce, i.e., they are each aligned such that the pole thereof (north orsouth) which faces the sensing magnet 110 is the same as the pole of thesensing magnet closer thereto, i.e., the positioning magnet closer tothe north pole of the sensing magnet is aligned with its north polefacing the sensing magnet, and the magnet closer to the south pole ofthe sensing magnet is aligned with its south pole facing the sensingmagnet.

According to other examples (not illustrated), biasing elements, such assprings, are provided to impart equal, but oppositely directed, forceson the paddle 104 when in its rest position, for example above the shaft106.

It will be appreciated that the centering arrangement as described aboveis completely external to the paddle 104, i.e., it does not require theaddition of any elements to the paddle itself which it does not alreadycomprise for the its use to sense flow of water (e.g., in the examplegiven above relating to the positioning magnets 114, the sensing magnet110, which the paddle requires for flow sensing, is utilized as well forcentering thereof in the absence of flow).

In operation, the centering arrangement maintains the paddle 104 is avertical rest position, such that the sensing magnet 110 is directlybelow the reed switch 116. When a flow of water develops, therebypivoting the paddle 104, the sensing magnet 110 moves away from the reedswitch 116, which detects the change, thereby determining the presenceof a flow of water through the electrolysis chamber 16. When the flowceases, the paddle returns to its neutral position, with the sensingmagnet 110 below the reed switch, which senses it, determining thatthere is no flow of water through the electrolysis chamber 16.

It will be appreciated that while the bidirectional mechanical flowsensor 102 described above with reference to FIG. 5D comprises twopositioning magnets to maintain the paddle 104 in its neutral position,it may be provided comprising any suitable number of magnets withoutdeparting from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter,mutatis mutandis.

It will be further appreciated that the chlorinator 10 may be configuredto use the outputs from one or both of the electronic and mechanicalflow sensors 101, 102 to determine the state of flow through theelectrolysis chamber 106, to detect an error condition (for example ifthe electronic and mechanical flow sensors detect different flowconditions from one another), etc.

In addition to the salinity sensor provided, the controller 42 may beconfigured to determine the salinity of the water by the operationalparameters of the electrolysis plates 78, as is well known in the art.It may be further configured to compare the salinity thus determinedwith that determined by the dedicated salinity sensor. As calcium and/orother mineral deposits build up on the electrolysis plates 78, thedetermined and measured levels of salinity will deviate. When thedeviation has reached a predetermined level, the controller 42 may beconfigured to reverse the polarity of the electrolysis cassette 46,thereby facilitating breaking up of the deposits and cleaning of theelectrolysis plates. In this way, the controller 42 may be configured toclean the electrolysis plates 78 during use, without unnecessarilyreversing the polarity of the electrical power, which may, if done toooften, result in damage to and/or degrade the performance of theelectrolysis plates 78.

In addition, the chlorinator may be configured to connect to externaldevices. Accordingly, it may comprise one or more of an input/outputconnector (e.g., for connecting a pH or other similar sensor), awireless transmitter/receiver (e.g., such as wifi), and/or any othersuitable feature.

According to a modification, for example as illustrated in FIG. 6, theelectrolysis cassette 46 may comprise elements to facilitate directingflow of water therethrough. For example, a flow director 120 may beprovided on one or both side of the electrolysis plates 78. Each of theflow directors 120 may comprise a plurality of fins 122 substantiallyparallel to the electrolysis plates 78, for example co-planar with someor all of the electrolysis plates 78 and a flow guide 124 substantiallytransverse to the fins and angled with respect to the expected flow ofwater (e.g., which may be parallel to the short dimension of theelectrolysis plates, such as defined by an axis connection the flowopenings 18), thereby defining an opening 126 to the flow director. Theelectrolysis cassette 46 may be provided with two flow directors 120 onone or both sides of the electrolysis plates 78 arranged such that theopenings 126 thereof face one another.

Some or all of the fins 122 and/or flow guides 124 may be configured forproviding electricity to water passing through the flow directors 120for electrolysis thereof, for example being formed integrally with someor all of the electrolysis plates 78. In addition, flow directors may beprovided separate from the electrolysis plates 78 and/or theelectrolysis cassette.

It will be appreciated that while FIG. 6 illustrated an example in whichone flow director 120 is provided on each side of the electrolysiscassette 46, any suitable number may be provided, for example arrangedvertically along the height of the electrolysis plates 78. The two sidesof the cassette 46 may each comprise the same number of flow directors120 each arranged opposite a corresponding flow director on the otherside, the same number arranged differently, different numbers of flowdirectors, etc., as appropriate.

According to a modification, for example as illustrated in FIG. 7, thechlorinator 10 may be configured to check the pH level of the waterentering the electrolysis chamber 16. As the accuracy of pH measurementsmay be affected when in close proximity to the electrodes, a dedicatedmeasurement chamber 128, external to the electrolysis chamber 16, may beprovided. Supply lines 130, each spanning between one of the flowopenings 18 and the measurement chamber 128, are provided to divert someof the water thereto.

Disposed within the measurement chamber 128 are a pH sensor configuredto measure the pH level of the water, and/or an ORP sensor configured tomeasure the oxidation/reduction potential of the water. These sensorsmay be configured to communicate with the controller 42, for examplewirelessly, or using a wire connection. According to one example, thecassette 46 is designed to connect to the sensors within the measurementchamber 128, and to communicate information received therefrom to thecontroller 42 and/or supply power from the control unit 14 thereto, forexample via its plug 80. The operational unit 12 may be designed tofacilitate this connection, for example automatically upon insertion ofthe electrolysis cassette.

The chlorinator 10 may further comprise an acid pump (not illustrated),configured to selectively introduce a predetermined amount of substanceto lower the acidity of the water, e.g., in response to measurementstaken by the pH and/or ORP sensors. The substance may be hydrochloricacid, CO₂, or any other suitable substance. The acid pump may be locatedon the operation unit 12, inside the control unit 14, or at any othersuitable location. It may be connected to an outlet line, a distal endthereof being disposed so as to deliver the substance directly into theelectrolysis chamber 16.

Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readilyappreciate that numerous changes, variations and modifications can bemade without departing from the scope of the invention mutatis mutandis.

1. A chlorinator configured to produce one or more sanitizing agentsfrom a solute dissolved in water, the chlorinator comprising anoperational unit defining an electrolysis chamber for flow therethroughof said water, electrolyzing electrodes for the electrolysis, and achlorinator controller for directing operation of the electrolyzingelectrodes; said chlorinator further comprising an electronic flowsensor comprising a pair of spaced-apart sensing electrodes projectinginto the electrolysis chamber, and a circuit closeable by electricallyconnecting said sensing electrodes, wherein said electronic flow sensoris configured to detect a flow condition when said circuit is closed,and to detect a non-flow condition when said circuit remains open. 2.The chlorinator according to claim 1, wherein said sensing electrodescomprise a pair of parallely arranged plates.
 3. The chlorinatoraccording to claim 1, comprising flow openings constituting an inlet andoutlet of the electrolysis chamber, said chlorinator being designed tobe installed such that said sensing electrodes are above said flowopenings.
 4. The chlorinator according to claim 1, further comprising acassette comprising said electrolyzing electrodes and said electronicflow sensor.
 5. The chlorinator according to claim 4, wherein saidelectronic flow sensor further comprises a sensing controller configuredto direct operation thereof and to communicate with said chlorinatorcontroller, said cassette comprising a cassette controller comprisingsaid sensing controller.
 6. The chlorinator according to claim 1,wherein said electronic flow sensor further comprises a sensingcontroller configured to direct operation thereof and to communicatewith said chlorinator controller.
 7. The chlorinator according to claim1, wherein said chlorinator further comprises a bi-directionalmechanical flow sensor configured to detect a flow of water across saidelectrolyzing electrodes in each one of two opposite directions, themechanical flow sensor comprising a paddle configured to be pivotedabout an axis from a rest position by said flow of water, a sensingmagnet configured to move with said paddle and disposed spaced from theaxis, and a magnet sensor configured to detect movement of the sensingmagnet from the rest position of the paddle; said mechanical flow sensorfurther comprising a centering arrangement configured to maintain thepaddle in its rest position in the absence of a flow of water therepast.8. The chlorinator according to claim 7, wherein all elements of thecentering arrangement not used for flow sensing are external to saidpaddle.
 9. The chlorinator according to claim 7, wherein said centeringarrangement comprises two or more positioning magnets configured toexert equal magnetic forces on said sensing magnet when the paddle is inits rest position.
 10. The chlorinator according to claim 9, whereinsaid positioning magnets are aligned such that opposite poles thereofface the sensing magnet.
 11. The chlorinator according to claim 9,wherein the dominant magnetic force exerted by each positioning magneton the sensing magnet is a repelling magnetic force.
 12. The chlorinatoraccording to claim 9, wherein at least two of said positioning magnetsare disposed on opposite sides of the paddle.
 13. The chlorinatoraccording to claim 7, further comprising stoppers configured to limitthe movement of the paddle in each direction.
 14. The chlorinatoraccording to claim 13, wherein said stoppers project in a direction fromsaid axis in a direction opposite that in which the sensing magnet isdisposed.
 15. The chlorinator according to claim 7, wherein saidcentering arrangement comprises two or more biasing elements, configuredto impart equal, but oppositely directed, forces on the paddle in itsrest position.
 16. The chlorinator according to claim 7, wherein saidmagnet sensor comprises a reed switch.
 17. The chlorinator according toclaim 7, being configured to detect an error condition when saidelectronic and mechanical flow sensors detect different flow conditions.18. The chlorinator according claim 7, further comprising a cassettecomprising said electrolyzing electrodes and said mechanical flowsensor.
 19. The chlorinator according to claim 1, wherein saidelectrolyzing electrodes are formed as flat plates.
 20. An electrolysiscassette for a chlorinator, the cassette configured to facilitateproduction of one or more sanitizing agents from a solute dissolved inwater flowing through the chlorinator; said cassette comprisingelectrolyzing electrodes for the electrolysis and an electronic flowsensor; said electronic flow sensor comprising a pair of spaced-apartsensing electrodes, and a circuit closeable by electrically connectingsaid sensing electrodes, wherein said electronic flow sensor isconfigured to detect a flow condition when said circuit is closed, andto detect a non-flow condition when said circuit remains open.